Seneca Trust

The Seneca Trust is an unincorporated UK charitable trust established in July 2010, governed by trustees including Adam Sweidan and Kevin Gundle, with a mission to relieve poverty, advance health, enhance welfare, and promote education for disadvantaged people—particularly those with disabilities (e.g., learning disabilities, autism), illness, displacement, or refugee status. Rooted in addressing immediate hardships and long-term wellbeing, it uniquely blends grant-making with direct asset support, such as purchasing and leasing specialist housing, reflecting a holistic, trustee-driven philosophy of maximising impact through strong governance and discretionary investment.

It prioritises practical interventions like supported housing, psycho-social services, health/nutritional aid, sanitation, and education for vulnerable groups, funding specialist charities and providers (e.g., Dimensions UK, JWeb) that enable independence, dignity, and thriving. Support spans UK and international efforts without geographic limits, targeting people/communities facing multiple disadvantages rather than mainstream causes.

Eligible entities include established specialist organisations of varying sizes (no strict income rules, though preference for medium-scale impact players); however, it accepts only invited applications—no unsolicited submissions, forms, or open rounds. Grants, decided ad hoc by trustees, typically range £10,000–£75,000, with larger capital awards (e.g., over £500,000 for property). No deadlines or religious/geographic restrictions apply.

Distinctively trustee-proactive and mission-focused, it avoids generalist projects, emphasising sustained, targeted benefits for disabled people, refugees, and the necessitous—making it ideal for aligned specialists seeking substantial, flexible support.